Summary
“Rise of the Chroma Conclave” has flashes of the first season’s magic, but is light on the laughs and the heart. The show’s brutal, gory violence is on full display though, as is the consistently great animation. This works as a solid introduction but lacks the show’s usual charm.
We recap the Prime Video series The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 Episode 1, “Rise of the Chroma Conclave,” which contains spoilers.
The deranged adult animated series from Prime Video, The Legend of Vox Machina, returns for a second season, picking up where the first season left off. The foul-mouthed gang of anti-heroes are back, and there’s no time to waste as they are attacked by four ferocious dragons from the opening moments of “Rise of the Chroma Conclave”. The show seems unchanged from its first season format or aesthetics but strengthens its voice cast with the addition of Lance Reddick from the John Wick franchise.
The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 Episode 1 Recap
As we saw at the tail-end of the first season, Sovereign Uriel gives a grand speech thanking the Vox Machina for their hard work. The Vox Machina being a gang of murderous mercenaries who happened to save the day. Uriel renounces the throne and hands over his duties to the Council of Tal’Dorei. This shocking revelation is interrupted by an attack from four deadly dragons though, who descend from the skies, wreaking havoc upon the capital city below.
One of the dragons rains down acid upon the unsuspecting citizens, killing the locals in brutal fashion. Wizard Lady Allura shields her closest comrades from a second dragon attack, but Sovereign Uriel is killed in a gas cloud that makes his eyes bleed. The wizard fights back, as do the Vox Machina members, but it is no use, these dragons are far too powerful. They destroy the city with ease and lay waste to many panicked citizens. Gilmore protects the Vox Machina from an ice attack and they all agree to regroup at his shop.
Half-elf druid Keyleth deflects the next dragon’s attack, and Scanlan, the singing gnome, counters with his magical pink hand, but they barely make a scratch. Even Grog, the goliath barbarian, charges at them full throttle, but the dragon’s scales effortlessly break his favorite head-chopping ax in the process. As the city burns, the Vox Machina retreat. Human gunslinger Percy is badly burnt by another acid attack as he flees. However, Pike, the gnome cleric, heals his wounds instantaneously.
The dragons declare their rule over the city, announcing their title as the Chroma Conclave, an alliance of four unstoppable dragons. There’s the fire-breathing dragon Thordak (Lance Reddick), the acid dragon Umbrasyl, Vorugal who breathes ice, and Raishan with their deadly green gas.
The gang reunites at Gilmore’s shop, but it has been reduced to ruins after the dragon’s onslaught. Gilmore is found in the rubble and Pike revives him at once. Even in this apocalyptic wasteland, Gilmore finds time to flirt with half-elf Vax. Gilmore allows the gang to take whatever weapons and spells they want. The Vox Machina jump at the opportunity, starting a swift shopping spree. Scanlan nabs a broom, and they quickly teleport back to the safety of their home grounds.
Percy suggests retreating to his hometown of Whitestone, where his sister will take them in. He urges them to regroup and plan their counterattack in safer dwellings, but Vax fears the city will be lost in the meantime. Vex (Vax’s twin sister) speaks up, stating that their weapons are useless against the Chroma Conclave, who are harnessing ancient powers. Keyleth wonders if this is payback for their killing the blue dragon Brimscythe. Pike then ends the conversation, suggesting that they need an army on their side to stand any chance of defeating these ancient dragons.
Their chat is interrupted by anxious sounds coming from the gates. The survivors come teeming into the grounds. Yet the ice dragon attacks, killing innocent bystanders and destroying the Vox Machina’s home. Percy’s idea seems their best option, and Keyleth summons a portal, transporting the survivors to the safety of Whitestone. Here, Percy updates his sister Cassandra and Keeper Yennen on the attack. Yennen suggests that the gang head for Vasselheim to search for an army. This city is the oldest in the realm and one that is almost impenetrable.
Ending Explained
Oddly, the normally chirpy Scanlan is acting rather hopelessly. He complains to Grog about the futility of their counterattacks. The singing bard believes they need professionals to aid in this war. The other Vox Machina members surround Scanlan and look down upon Whitestone. They realize at this moment that they have helped save this place from ruin. Inspired by their own successes they decide to fight back. Even Scanlan seems rejuvenated by this unprovoked revelation.
In the closing moments of the premiere, the gang say their goodbyes to Whitestone and head through Keyleth’s portal once more. Meanwhile, the dragons gather in the ruins of Emon. Thordak is informed that the Vox Machina have escaped, utilizing magic to aid them. Umbrasyl is ordered to track them down before they summon a new army.
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